CHARLES I. SANDERS

Charles I. “Charlie” Sanders, 91, of Piqua, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 4, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born December 6, 1932 in Lockington to the late Keller and Thelma (Mills) Sanders. He married Shirley A. McVety October 19, 1957 in Piqua; and she survives.

Other survivors include a son, Scott K. (Peter Wilson) Sanders of Palm Beach, Florida; a daughter, Sharon Erlemeier of York, Pennsylvania; three granddaughters, Sarah Jane Erlemeier, Jillian Erlemeier, Abby Erlemeier; his brother-in-law, Jerry (Diane) McVety; and several nephews, including a special nephew, Steve Staley and his wife Gail of Piqua. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Judith Levering and Roselyn Staley.

Charlie was a 1951 graduate of Piqua Central High School and attended Ohio State University. He served as a Corporal of the United States Army during the Korean War. His career began with the family business, Sanders Dairy, driving a milk delivery route, and later running the business. Following the closure of Sanders Dairy, with the encouragement of his father-in-law, Bill McVety, he earned his Real Estate license and became an integral part of Bill McVety Realty, an endeavor that would find him assuming the helm of the business founded by Bill, a successful firm rooted in integrity and fairness. He was a vital part of the development of Park Ridge and Sandel developments in Piqua, as well as Brook Park North in Troy, where he oversaw construction of hundreds of houses. He was a 50-year member of the Miami County Board of Realtors, the State and National Real Estate Associations having been distinguished with the National Lifetime Achievement Award. He served as a Director and or President for the Home Builders Association, Jr. Chamber of Commerce, Piqua Ambassadors, Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce, Dorothy Love Retirement Community, Y-Men’s Club and the Piqua Lions Club. He was a 60-year member of the Warren Masonic Lodge # 24, Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Royal & Select Masons of Ohio, Antioch Scottish Rite of Dayton, Antioch Shrine, Miami County Shrine Club and the Piqua 32 Club. Additionally, he was an active member of and held leadership roles in the Greene Street United Methodist Church, Border City Luncheon Club, Golden Boys Golf Club, Piqua Country Club, Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, V.F.W. Post and the American Legion.  He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds. Charlie will be remembered for being the definition of a true “Good Guy” who enriched his community on so many levels, while enjoying the love of his family, and mutual friendship of a multitude of people over many decades. Most importantly, he cherished his family and adored his three granddaughters.

A service to honor his life will begin at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Pastor Will Leasure officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home where a Masonic Lodge of Sorrow service will begin at 12:00 p.m.. In keeping with Charlie’s generous spirit, memorial contributions are encouraged to the Piqua Community Foundation, P. O. Box 226, Piqua, OH 45356; Piqua Education Foundation, P.O. Box 201, Piqua, OH 45356; or Greene Street United Methodist Church, 415 W. Greene St., Piqua, OH 45356. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com

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